Fans from PNG welcome the PM's XIII team to Port Moresby last weekend. Picture: Michael Jennings Source: Supplied. The Australian

BUYING into an NRL team looms as a serious option for the Papua New Guinea government - although it hasn't given up on eventually having its own team in the competition.Rugby league is hugely popular amongst PNG's seven million inhabitants and it's the only country that has the code as its national sport, but co-ordination between teams, the game's governing body and the government has in the past stymied growth opportunities.PNG sports minister Justin Tkatchenko is now hopeful a meeting of the game's stakeholders and their international counterparts in late November will act as a catalyst for change and growth in the sport in his country."The game is stuck, that's what we're facing right now," Tkatchenko said.

"If we can't get in on the NRL by setting up our own team - look at the logistics, it's going to cost an absolute fortune - but if we can get in (an Australian) team that's already set up with all the facilities there with a team that's on the way up ... then why try and re-create the wheel that's already there?"PNG reportedly backed away from a $20 million sell off of the Gold Coast Titans last March, amid reports Prime Minister Peter O'Neill had baulked at the club's $35 million debt.

Newly appointed chairman for the PNG bid, Powes Parkop, is now keen to buy into either the Brisbane Broncos or North Queensland Cowboys, believing there is a great opportunity to collaborate with Australian clubs given the untapped talent in the country.

And as the chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission, John Grant, has all but ruled out expansion until at least the next TV rights deal in 2018 - collaboration appears PNG's best way forward for now.

There does at least appear to be money around to finance involvement in the game.

The previous PNG government of Michael Somare had put up Kina 20 million ($9.29 million) to finance getting a team into the NRL while Ausaid put up significant funds to aid development of the game in 2009 - funds that remain untouched because of dysfunctional management within the code.

PNG's NRL bid chief executive Brad Tassell said he is happy the government is renewing its efforts to professionalise the game.

"There is no structure to the game in the country, it's a bit fractious," Tassell said.

"We're really happy we have a minister for sport who is really involved ... and we're happy to come to the table."

PNG on Sunday went down 24-18 against the Australian PM's XIII in Port Moresby.